German Residence Permit

As an expat moving to Berlin, it’s crucial for you to understand the residence permit requirements. All foreign nationals, except for people from Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Lichtenstein, and EU countries, need a residence permit to stay in Germany for more than 90 days. In general, there are three residence permits that allow you to stay in Germany.

The Temporary Residence Permit or Limited Residence Permit (Aufenthaltserlaubnis) lets you stay in Germany for a year, but you’ll need a specific reason for staying, like studying, working, or marriage. When you apply for this type of permit, you’ll need to explain why you want to stay, and your permit will specify this reason. You won’t be permitted to engage in an activity that your residence permit doesn’t allow. Once your permit expires, you may have the option to extend it provided your situation has not changed and you still fulfil the requirements.

The EU Blue Card is for foreign nationals of non-EU countries who are highly skilled in a profession and want to work in Germany. Highly qualified employees have completed a higher education degree, such as a bachelor’s or a master’s degree. If you have a background in IT or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics), you’re more likely to get the EU Blue Card.

The Permanent Residence Permit or Settlement Permit (Niederlassungserlaubnis) lets you work and travel in and out of Germany indefinitely. To get this permit, you need to hold the Temporary Residence Permit or the EU Blue Card. You will need to prove that you have worked for a minimum of five years, that the Federal Employment Agency approved your job, and that you have paid the necessary taxes and contributions to the government. There’s also a German language proficiency requirement, so you will need to brush up on your Deutsch.

For more information about residence permits, visit Berlins’ Official website for all the answers you need.

Finding Accommodation in Berlin

Finding a place in Berlin to call home can be both exciting and challenging. The city offers a diverse range of neighbourhoods, each with its own unique character and charm. Popular areas among expats include Mitte, Prenzlauer Berg, Kreuzberg, and Friedrichshain. Start your search for accommodation early, as demand for rental properties can be high.

Browsing expat websites, local classifieds, and real estate agents can be useful sources for finding your home. Keep your personal preferences in mind when choosing your ideal area to settle in. It’s also useful to consider your budget, proximity to amenities, and transportation options. Where you choose to settle is important as it could play a big role in determining how well you blend into your new culture.

Berlin’s Cost of Living

Berlin is relatively affordable compared to other European capitals. Planning your budget is super important, but don’t worry, it doesn’t have to be daunting! When you’re thinking about your expenses in Berlin, you’ll want to consider things like accommodation, groceries, utilities, getting around the city, and of course, having some funds set aside for fun leisure activities. The good news is that Berlin has plenty of affordable dining options, street food, and local markets for you to explore without breaking the bank. To give you an idea of what to expect, here’s a rough breakdown of your possible expenses (July 2023):

• 1 Bedroom Apartment Rental (€900-€1300)
• Monthly Transportation Pass (€57)
• Meal at an inexpensive restaurant (€12)
• Basic Utilities for 85m² Apartment – Electricity, Heating, Cooling, Water, Garbage (€350)
• 1 Liter Milk (€1.28)

Job Opportunities and Work Culture in Berlin

Berlin is such an exciting place with its buzzing startup scene and creative industries. If you’re on the lookout for career growth, you’re in the right spot. The city has fantastic opportunities in areas like technology, design, media, and arts. To boost your chances of landing a job you like, take some time to get to know the local job market and connect with expat and professional networks. It’s important to understand the German work culture. Punctuality is highly valued, teamwork is key, and professional etiquette will help you blend right in with the local business environment.

Berlin’s Public Transportation and Mobility

Berlin’s public transport system is excellent, it includes a network of buses, trams, U-Bahn – known for its yellow-coloured trains (subway), and S-Bahn (trains above ground). Whether you’re looking to explore the city centre or the outer districts, you can get there easily, comfortably, and safely. Obtaining a monthly or yearly travel pass can save you money if you plan to use public transport frequently. The city also encourages cycling as a convenient and eco-friendly way of getting around, with bike lanes and bike-sharing services available throughout Berlin.

Fun Facts About Berlin

1. Berlin is renowned for its thriving street art scene. Colourful murals, graffiti, and urban art can be found all over the city, particularly in neighbourhoods like Kreuzberg and Friedrichshain. The East Side Gallery, a section of the Berlin Wall covered in murals, is a must-visit for art enthusiasts.
2. Berliners have an unusual karaoke tradition called “Bear Pit Karaoke.” Held at the historic Mauerpark, brave individuals take the stage in an open-air amphitheatre to sing their hearts out in front of a lively crowd of locals and visitors.
3. The bear is the symbol of Berlin and can be found in various forms throughout the city. The Berlin Bear represents strength, resilience, and the city’s history.
4. East Berlin has its own quirky pedestrian traffic signal figures known as Ampelmännchen, invented by the German traffic psychologist Karl Peglau. These unique traffic lights depict a little green “walker” or red “stander” wearing a hat. The traffic-light men are iconic in the eastern part of the city and can be found in many souvenir shops.

Beneath Berlin’s bustling streets, you’ll find an intricate network of secret underground tunnels and bunkers dating from WWII. Some of these tunnels have been repurposed into unique spaces, including nightclubs and art galleries, giving you an opportunity to explore the city’s hidden depths

Moving to Berlin as an expat opens doors to an incredible city with a vibrant cultural scene, exciting career prospects, and a welcoming international community. Remember, by taking care of the key points we’ve talked about, you’ll be fully prepared for a successful and fulfilling experience in the German capital. Embrace the unknown and make the most of everything that Berlin has to offer. Willkommen in Berlin! (Welcome to Berlin!) Get in touch with us for assistance with your move to Berlin.

1. Spanish Visa Types

There’s no need to let Brexit stop you from exploring Spain. UK citizens can still enjoy up to 90 days of visa-free travel within a 180-day period. If you dream of soaking up the Spanish vibes for the long haul, you’ll need a long-term visa (visado nacionale). There are different immigration routes and visa types, depending on the reason for your stay, and each comes with its unique set of requirements.

If you’ve got a job waiting in Spain, for example, you’ll likely need to apply for a work permit (visado de trabajo y residencia) either as a paid employee, a self-employed entrepreneur, or an au pair lending your skills to a Spanish family. To retire in the land of siestas and fiestas, you’ll need a Non-Lucrative Visa.

While the requirements for each visa type differ, some common factors include a medical certificate that gives you a clean bill of health, a clean criminal record, and proof that you’ve got enough funds to support yourself. Heads up, some documents may need to be in Spanish so you’ll need to get them translated. To dive deeper into the specifics, make sure to visit the Spanish government’s official visa application portal. There, you’ll find all the details on what immigration routes to follow to make Spain your new home sweet home.

2. Finding Work in Spain

There are plenty of job opportunities in Spain for UK expats. In particular, the tourism, IT, engineering, finance, healthcare (especially pharmaceuticals), automotive, chemicals and sales sectors have many vacancies to fill.

The Spanish authorities have also recently revised the criteria for obtaining an EU Blue Card, making it easier than ever for highly skilled Brits to get a job.

You can start your job search on Empleate, the Spanish government’s online job portal, and Sistema Nacional de Empleo. Both websites are available in English.

Also be sure to visit the country’s most popular (but Spanish-only) job search websites: Indeed Spain, infoempleo, infojobs, and for vacancies in tech, tecnoempleo.

3. Find a Home in Spain

Surprisingly, it is generally easier to purchase a home in Spain than to rent one as the rental market is tight with a limited number of properties available. Owning your own home will also increase your chances of obtaining a Golden visa. But if you do decide to rent, here are some helpful tips:

• Whether you’re renting or buying, always get a written contract in place. It’s important to protect yourself and your rights.
• Spanish laws are generally on the tenant’s side, but it still pays to be cautious when signing a property agreement.
• Location matters. Places like Barcelona, Madrid, Palma de Mallorca, and Bilbao are dazzling but come with a hefty price tag. You’ll find more affordable housing in regions like Castilla la Mancha, La Rioja, and Extremadura.
• Long-term rental contracts typically run for 5 to 7 years, while short-term leases last 12 months. Choose wisely.
• Landlords foot the bill for the estate agents, not you.

To find your dream home, check out local newspapers, chat with the friendly locals, or browse real estate websites like Idealista, Fotocasa, and Spainhouses.

4. Spanish Schooling System

If you’re relocating with your little ones, making the right choices for their education will be a top priority.

The Spanish education system is governed by the Ministry of Education and Vocational Training, however the education standards and funding are managed by the local communities, which are automonous (Comunidades Autónomas). School is compulsory for children aged 6-16. Homeschooling is permitted but unlegislated.

In a nutshell, Spain’s education system has 4 stages:

 
Early Childhood Education 0-6 years
From newborn to 6-year-old cuties, you’ve got two cycles – 0-3 years old (nurseries) and 3-6 years (kindergarten). Nurseries are optional, but senior kindergarten is compulsory as it forms a crucial part of the country’s public education system.

Primary School 6-12 years
Primary education begins at age 6 and goes up to age 11. Public schools are free but each public school and/or teacher decides their preferred teaching methods, so research the results of your candidate schools before making any final decision.

Spanish children generally attend the school nearest their home, but it’s fine to send your child to a school further away. Just bear in mind that if there are limited spaces available, these will be assigned according to a points system which considers various factors, including distance from the family home.

Secondary school 12-16 years
If they’re in their teens, your children will likely attend an Instituto (secondary school). The curriculum is set by the ministry of education, but as with primary schools, teachers are free to choose how to teach it. Secondary schools are also free, although you might have to pay for textbooks and stationery.

Bachillerato and Vocational Training 17-18 years
After receiving their Título de Graduado en Educación Secundaria Obligatoria (GESO), a certificate that confirms they have passed compulsory lower education, students can choose to continue with the last two years, called Bachillerato. Then they can pursue higher vocational training or head to university, provided they pass the admission test.

While most schools instruct their children in Spanish, Spain also has numerous international schools for children of English-speaking expats, including the British School of Barcelona, The British College, Cambridge House, the British School of Alzira, just to name a few.

5. Shipping to Spain from UK

Whether you’re taking only your most precious possessions or everything but the kitchen sink, you’ll be pleased to hear that if you’re moving to Spain, you don’t have to pay customs duties on the household goods you ship from the UK. That’s because they are considered to be for personal use.

For the same reason, you won’t be required to pay import tax on:

• Cars, motorbikes, and recreational boats
• Domestic animals
• Any tools you need to perform your job

To enjoy these exemptions, you will be required to prove you are moving to Spain permanently. The easiest way to do this, is to supply a copy of your registration certificate (certificado de empadronamiento). You’ll also need to draft a list of everything you’re bringing with you. Each item must be assigned an estimated value and an approximate date of purchase. All goods, including vehicles, should be at least 6 months old. Customs may request additional documents, depending on the circumstances of your move.

If this sounds like too much of a headache, a reputable moving company will be able to handle all the customs formalities on your behalf.

Moves to Spain from the UK usually take place via road. You might have to wait a bit for your belongings, but it’s the cheapest option. Air freight is costly, so save it only for the items you cannot be without, not even for a day.

6. Healthcare in Spain

As an expat who’s legally living or working in Spain, you’re automatically eligible to enjoy the benefits of Spain’s public health care system, the Sistema Nacional de Salud (SNS). The SNS is renowned for its high-quality healthcare services, and it (mostly) comes free of charge.

You’ll enjoy full coverage for doctors’ visits, emergency trips, paediatric care, nursing/midwife services, and both inpatient and outpatient care. You’ll also be assigned a family doctor.

It does take several months after you move to Spain to become eligible for the SNS, however, and you must have valid private health insurance until you qualify.

Also, under the SNS, medicine prescriptions, wheelchairs, prosthetics, and orthopaedic equipment are only subsidised up to 40%. Non-emergency dental care, eye care, and eyeglasses are not covered at all.

For this reason, many expats opt for private insurance as well.

7. Driving in Spain with a UK license

Following an agreement between UK and Spanish authorities, UK expats living in Spain prior to 16 March 2023 are allowed to drive in the country for 6 months using their valid UK driving license. If you arrived in Spain after that date, you’ll be allowed to drive on your UK license for six months from the date you obtained a residence permit. After this period, you must exchange your UK driver’s license for a Spanish one, but no new driving tests are required.

You are allowed to drive UK-registered vehicles in Spain so long as you have a valid driver’s license and meet the necessary requirements. But bear in mind that driving a right-hand-drive car in a left-hand-drive country will be a challenge.

For one, overtaking will be almost impossible without a passenger, as oncoming traffic will be on your far side and you’ll have a limited view. Your insurer could also (not unreasonably) decide you are a higher risk and raise your premium.

You don’t need to own a car to survive in Spain, but many expats love to have personal rides because of the freedom it affords. Just be sure to consider all your options before packing your car into a container.

8. Opening a Bank Account in Spain

While your UK bank account is still good for a lot in Spain, you’ll need a Spanish IBAN number to set up utilities in your new home.

Luckily, opening an account in Spain as a UK expat is a breeze. All you must do is provide the necessary documents.

• Valid means of identification
• Spanish NIE (that’s your foreigner’s ID number)
• Some proof of your income or employment contract.
• Proof of an address in Spain,

You’ll can expect to receive your cards in less than a week. Be prepared to pay about €50 every year for maintenance fees and such.

9. Learning Spanish

Do you need to speak Spanish to live in Spain? You can get by without it, especially if you live in an expat hotspot like Costa del Sol or Malaga, but knowing the local language will make life so much easier.

Most jobs will require you to have a minimum level of Spanish. Being able to speak Spanish and English will make you a more attractive candidate and open more job opportunities.

Plus, you can expect official communication to be in Spanish, so if you want to get on without having to rely on a translator, it’ll be helpful to have some Spanish under your belt.

Learning Spanish before you make the move will give you a head start, so you won’t feel completely lost when you arrive. Free options include apps like Duolingo and Mondly. Another, more personal (paying) option is iTalki, a language learning platform that connects you to a tutor for real-time lessons. You can choose between private sessions or group classes, which are the more cost-effective option.

Trust AGS for a Seamless Move to Spain

Are you considering starting a new chapter in España? AGS has offices in the UK and Spain, so we are perfectly placed to get you to your new life in the sun.

Our experienced team can move your belongings from door-to-door and handle all the customs formalities on your behalf.

Get your free moving quote

This informative guide will help you understand the essential aspects of moving to the US, providing valuable insights and practical tips for a successful transition.
 

Understanding US Immigration Options:

Before making the move, it is crucial to determine the appropriate immigration path. The US offers various visa categories listed below.

• H-1B Visa: designed for skilled workers in specialty occupations such as doctors, lawyers, architects, and IT specialists. It has specific criteria, such as possession of an advanced educational degree and a labour condition application. You will also need sponsorship from a US employer.
• The L-1 Visa: designed for employees being transferred to a US branch, affiliate, or subsidiary of their current employer. To be eligible, applicants must provide proof of employment with a recognised organisation and that they possess specialised knowledge or serve in executive/managerial positions.
• The EB-5 Visa: for immigrant investors willing to make a significant investment in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs in the US.
• F-1 Visa: allows students to enter the United States to study full time at an accredited academic institution, including colleges, universities, seminaries, conservatories, academic high schools, elementary schools, or language training programs. To qualify, students must be enrolled in a program or course of study leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate and attend a school authorised by the US government to accept international students.

Other visa options to consider include the IR (Immediate Relative) Visa, and the F (Family Preference) Visa. Find out which US visa is best suited to your circumstances.

Cost of Living and Budgeting:

The cost of living between India and the United States can vary significantly due to differences in buying power, economic development, and lifestyle. Here’s a comparison to help you understand the variations:

Housing: In India, housing costs are notably lower than in the US, especially in major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, or Bangalore. However, consider location and amenities when budgeting for housing in either country.

Food and Groceries: India offers relatively more affordable food and groceries, especially with local produce and traditional dishes. In the US, dining out and grocery expenses can be higher, particularly in metropolitan areas. Opting for home-cooked meals can save money.

Transportation: Public transportation in the US is less budget-friendly than in India. While cities like Delhi and Mumbai have affordable buses and trains, the US relies heavily on personal vehicles, incurring additional expenses like car insurance and fuel.

Healthcare: Healthcare in the US is a mix of private and public sectors. Medical care is of high quality but could cost considerably more and is not always accessible. Health insurance plays a crucial role in ensuring individuals can receive medical care, thus private insurance is common in the US.

Education: Higher education tuition fees are generally higher in the US, but scholarships and financial aid options are available for international students.

Miscellaneous Expenses: Day-to-day expenses like clothing, entertainment, and utilities vary by location and lifestyle.

Navigating Cultural Differences:

The United States is home to a diverse set of cultures, which may initially feel overwhelming to newcomers. However, by familiarising yourself with American customs, traditions, and social norms, you can integrate seamlessly into your new community and foster lasting relationships.

India’s culture emphasises social hierarchy and collectivism. People are strongly influenced by their family and community and urged to respect their elders and other authority figures. In contrast, the US is more individualistic, valuing personal freedom and self-expression and promoting equality.

Communication Styles: In India, communication is often indirect and relies on implicit cues and polite language. Americans, on the other hand, are straightforward and value clear and direct conversations.

Personal Space and Touch: Indian culture places less importance on personal space, and physical touch in daily interactions is interpreted as a sign of warmth. In the US, personal space is respected in all situations, and physical touch is reserved for close relationships.

Time Keeping: Indian culture is more flexible with time, while punctuality is highly valued in the US.

Food and Eating Habits: Indian cuisine varies regionally, leading to a diverse range of flavours. Meals are served family style, and Indian diners wash their hands thoroughly before eating using the tips of their fingers. American cuisine is a fusion of various global cuisines. Food is often served in individual portions and eating habits are diverse.

Religion and Spirituality: Hindu is the largest faith in India but coexists harmoniously with other faiths. The US is even more religiously diverse, with Christianity being predominant.

Attitude Towards Authority: In India, respect for authority figures is ingrained, while Americans tend to question authority and promote open dialogue.

Make sure to note:

Traffic Laws: The traffic laws in the US are stricter than in India. Even crossing at a ‘No Crossing’ sign can result in a hefty fine. US vehicles have their steering wheels on the left-hand side, while Indian vehicles have their steering wheels on the right.

Units of Measurement: The US uses the imperial system while India favours the metric system. As such, kilos, kilometres, and degrees Celsius, are replaced by pounds, miles, and degrees Fahrenheit.

Moving to the United States from India is a life-changing journey filled with opportunities for personal and professional growth. By understanding the immigration process, securing employment, embracing cultural differences, and planning your finances wisely, you can make a smooth and successful transition. Remember to research thoroughly, seek advice from experts, and embrace the new experiences that await you in your new home. Good luck on your exciting adventure!

For professional assistance, get in touch with AGS Movers India for your big move to the US.

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